Thursday, December 7, 2017

Gallery Picks Newsletter, December 2017

Happy Holidays, and a very special one it is for all of us here at The Island Gallery. This month we are celebrating our 15th anniversary.

From the tiniest, narrowest, off-the-beaten-path retail space in town we have grown into a beautiful two-showroom gallery in the heart of Bainbridge Island, smack-dab in the midst of one of the country's most vibrant art communities. It has been a marvelous ride. And the work we are able to present, thanks to a brilliant stable of artists and our owner's discerning and bold curatorial style, is better and better all the time. So here in our Holiday Newsletter we would like to give you a look at some of these latest offerings, including suggestions for gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Please enjoy, and here's to you, our dedicated customers, with warm wishes for the happiest of holidays!

(For more information on the items shown below, please click image or text)

It's the time of year when everyone's busy, and a picture is definitely worth a thousand words.

Throughout this post we're going to follow those sage words and let the art do the talking -right after we introduce our newest textile artist:

Already an accomplished artist, Jan Badgley has
expanded on her background in painting
and interior design to become a
clothing designer whose playful pieces
function as wearable art. Her medium
for these creations, felted wool, is a favorite for those seeking one-of-a-kind,
ultra-stylish yet cozy clothing and accessories, featuring minimum weight and
maximum wearability, comfy in all climates and situations, to
dress up or dress down and - so attractive to us here in the
Pacific Northwest - great for layering.

Following in the tradition of her friend
and mentor, Barbara de Jounge, Jan
embraces the Japanese design
aesthetics of simplicity, asymmetry, understatement
and freedom from
formula. Each of Jan’s designs brings together strong graphic
elements
and functional fashion. Jan uses simple materials and shibori
techniques,
folding and unfolding felted wool as the wool contracts and
expands. She delights in
exploring the many possibilities of the sewing
machine, thread and yarn.

As Jan notes:

Translating my
background in painting to clothing is an exciting challenge.I follow in
the tradition of Barbara de Jounge and the Japanese aesthetic.Using
the simple materials of felted wool and shibori techniques, I am
unfoldingas the wool contracts. The sewing machine, thread and yarn
have many possibilities.My favorite quote is by the artist
Francis Picabia: “your head is round so yourthinking can change
direction.” This flexibility in attitude keeps lifeinteresting and
renewing.

Long-time Gallery visitors might remember the work of Jan's mentor,
Barbara de Jounge, one of our more popular textile artists over the years,
who sadly passed away several years ago. If so, you will no doubt
have your memory jogged in a most delightful way when you see Jan's work!
But you will also see that even as she honors Barbara's creative legacy and
sensibilities, her vibe is distinctly her own. Arguably, she takes her designs another
step or two further along the road of refined cut and panache. The pure joyous
vibrancy, for example, of Jan's "Strings" necklaces gels beautifully
with all her pieces and, like any good String, ties them together,
showing a sophistication that turns simple creations
into must-have accessories.

At this time of year, any of Jan's pieces make excellent gifts, even
for that special someone who insists she has absolutely everything!
We suspect she will make room in her closet for one or two of these.
(A little more about that below.)See Jan's pieces at her Artist Pages, here.

Please enjoy the rest of our gift-giving suggestions as we take
you on this Holiday Tour!

Also falling into this $30 and under category: let's take another look at Jan Badgley's Strings, as a reminder that these wonderful soft felted wool necklaces can be worn singly or piled high, one color at a time, or in a rainbow! It's entirely up to you. But what great gifts!

Thanks so much for visiting us, and once again we wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays!

About Us

400 Winslow Way E., #120, Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States

Established in 2002, The Island Gallery features the work of internationally recognized artists in the fields of studio furniture and sculpture; museum quality textile art and wearables; wood fired ceramics; paintings and prints; and unique jewelry creations. Our monthly exhibitions include live musical concerts, featuring such genres as jazz, rock, folk, chamber music and performance art. This, along with its reputation for excellence, makes The Island Gallery a destination spot on beautiful Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle.
On this blog we will have an opportunity to quickly post news of our latest acquisitions and favorite things, to relay information on upcoming events both in the gallery and in the area, and to hear back from you.
Phone: 206.780.9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11-6pm; Saturday, 10-6pm; Sunday, 12-5pm.